All Hallows Eve: Open Mic & Spooky Fun

Post written by: Erin Walcon

Our Autumn Doorstep Theatre festival was launched by a special All Hallows Eve celebration at the Palace Theatre in Paignton. The event was co-designed and planned with Doorstep Youth Theatre and supported by a costume-bedecked volunteer team from the University of Exeter Applied Theatre programme.

What a fabulous night! The first hour was an installation of interactive children’s activities – apple bobbing, donut fishing, trick-or-treating, spooky stories, face painting, crafting, and a creepy photo booth.

The second hour was an Open Mic/Scratch performance time, where performers could step up to the Performance Corner and share a work in progress with us.

This was magical – we had so many people try out new material, taking risks, sharing songs that they were working on. This kind of supportive performance space is so needed in Torbay, and we were delighted that so many of you were willing to step up and try it!

The eve was a smashing success and we’ve already had requests to make it an annual event. It’s certainly affirmed for us how important it is that we regularly run Open Mic and Scratch events. Thanks to everyone who came – and a special thank you to the volunteer organising & decorating team!